Chocolate milk  is a mixed drink containing cocoa and milk. It is usually sweetened by using sugar or a sugar substitute. Cow milk is the preferred milk to prepare this drink which also requires a solution to aid the proper mixing of the primary ingredients. A number of other additives like carrageenan, salt, vanilla or any kind of artificial flavoring are also used to enhance the taste and flavor of the drink. The chocolate mixed drink is usually kept refrigerated and consumed chilled.

The beverage can easily be prepared at home by mixing cocoa powder and milk or using chocolate powder, melted chocolate or syrup instead of the cocoa. The ingredients are also available in the pre-packaged form which only need to be mixed with an adequate quantity of milk.

Chocolate milk is available under a number of brand names and is consumed as a supplement by athletes. Differently flavored milk containing chocolate is served to the students in schools across the United States of America.

Sugar-free, lactose-free and a host of organic milk infused with chocolate are readily available across America.  Chocolate Soy milk in several flavors is popular with vegans and people with dairy product allergies.

Commonly Used Ingredients and Preparation of Chocolate Milk

The perfect comfort food can be made quite easily at home by mixing the contents of a pre-packaged chocolate powder into a glass of cow milk. However, it is also simple to prepare the drink entirely from scratch.

It is best to pour milk into a tall glass leaving a little space on top for adding the chocolate. A teaspoon of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder is usually used to make the beverage by mixing it with 8 ounce of milk.  However, the proportion of chocolate milk is not standard and the can be adjusted according to taste. It is sweetened just before consumption with additional ingredients added for obtaining a variety in flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Flavored Milk

• Frosty Chocolate Shake- Prepared by blending coca powder and cold milk in a mixer. It is served chilled over ice.
• Choco-Milk Shake- Vanilla or mint added to chocolate milk helps to enhance the taste and increases the nutritional value as well.
• Warm Chocolatey Milk with Cream- Served warm, this beverage is prepared by mixing chocolate syrup with milk and cinnamon powder. Served with a dollop of whipped cream it helps to drive away winter chills.
• Chocolate-Strawberry Milk-  Adding fresh strawberries helps the beverage to become healthier with the addition of vitamins.
• Irish Chocolate Milk Drink- A shot of Bailey’s Irish cream added to the ordinary chocolate and milk makes it a healthy alternative to the hard liquor based cocktails.

Chocolate Milk Health Benefits

• Considered to be a sports dish, it is considered to give instant energy.
• Antioxidants present in dark chocolate help in lowering the risk of cancer particularly when it is prepared with cocoa powder and skimmed milk.
• Helps in the recovery of muscles after a strenuous work out. It is considered to be more beneficial than Gatorade or water.
• In spite of being sweetened, chocolate milk contains proteins and carbohydrates in almost equal proportions and helps in building the muscles especially in growing children.
• Drinking the beverage regularly but in moderate portions helps in reducing the risks of cardio-vascular diseases and heart ailments. It is also known to decrease the blood pressure level.
• Medical research has proved that the beverage has a positive effect in reducing inflammation and in inhibiting atherosclerosis.
• The drink is also responsible for elevating the mood successfully and getting rid of depression. Studies suggest that drinking the chocolate based beverage once in every 3 days is believed to be beneficial for the general well-being.

Chocolate Milk Benefits: Controversies

• The flavored milk has been banned from some schools of the United States of America as they have been associated with the rise of obesity in children.
• Chocolate milk is believed to be addictive which leads to increased consumption.
• Dental health of children is believed to be ruined with increased consumption of sugar-laden chocolate drinks.
• Research studies have proved that chocolate milk contains oxalic acid which interferes with the absorption of calcium.

Chocolate Milk: Pre-Packaged Brands

• Ovaltine and Nesquik- Swiss brands used for preparing both the hot as well as the cold form of the drink.
• Flavored Drinks- Candy bar flavored pre-packaged chocolate milk is available as Snickers, Milky Way and 3 Musketeers.

Chocolate Milk Drink: Trivia

Adult Chocolate milk is a form of the popular drink infused with alcohol which was accidentally created by California based Tracy Reinhardt who posted the recipe on Facebook.